Manganese D-gluconate falls among the specialty mineral supplements and chemical intermediates in both industrial and nutritional settings. This compound, created by the reaction of gluconic acid with manganese(II) carbonate or manganese(II) hydroxide, provides a readily bioavailable form of manganese for various uses. Its structure showcases the gluconic acid moiety tightly coordinated to a divalent manganese ion, producing a salt that dissolves in water without forming noticeable turbidity. Chemists, nutritional formulators, and process engineers reach for manganese D-gluconate to meet precise nutritional guidelines, and to facilitate chemical reactions where a controlled source of manganese ions boosts formulation effectiveness.
Manganese D-gluconate lines shelves most often as a pale pink or faintly off-white material, delivered in different forms such as powder, crystalline granules, or sometimes as dense flakes and pearls. For large-scale processing, the compound comes bagged or drummed as a fine powder or solid granule, avoiding clumping and retaining flow characteristics crucial for mixing—whether in food fortification, veterinary nutrition, or microelectronics. It also appears as an aqueous solution, stabilizing manganese ions ready for direct metering into liquid blends or as a concentrated premix for industrial applications. Regardless of the format, clear labeling details the batch, source, and content to guarantee reliability across batches.
The chemical formula for manganese D-gluconate registers as C12H22MnO14, reflecting two gluconate ligands per manganese center. Its molecular weight averages 445.24 g/mol. X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic techniques reveal a robust coordination complex, with each gluconate group tightly chelating, stabilizing the divalent manganese in environments prone to ion exchange or pH shifts. Laboratory analysis shows solubility in water ranging from 10 to 100 g/L depending on temperature, with solutions remaining clear and pale. This solubility enables easy dosing and ensures manganese uptake matches dietary or process targets. The compound’s density typically ranks between 1.75–1.80 g/cm³ for the solid, though loose-packed powders often measure slightly lower. In liquid, the density depends on solution strength, ranging upwards of 1.15 g/mL for concentrated stocks.
Production follows strict quality standards, including controls on purity, residual solvent content, and heavy metals. Typical assay purity lands at or above 98%, with manganese content closely matched to theoretical expectations. Laboratories report results for loss on drying, solubility, and pH of a standardized 5% solution. Product specifications track particle size, color, and absence of foreign particulates. Conformity to ISO or USP/FCC standards provides trust for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food grade requirements. The Harmonized System code (HS Code) most often associated with manganese D-gluconate is 2918160000, falling under organic chemicals and salts of gluconic acid. Accurate documentation simplifies customs clearance and downstream regulatory checks.
As a trace mineral supplement, this compound delivers bioavailable manganese, supporting enzyme activity and metabolic pathways. In agriculture, animal feed, and aquaculture, precise addition of manganese D-gluconate balances nutritional profiles and optimizes growth. Electroplating operations use water-soluble manganese for bath preparation, achieving specific deposits or film properties. In the chemical industry, manganese ions from this source catalyze or moderate certain syntheses, providing more predictable results than less soluble salts. Handling guidelines stress good hygiene, use of gloves and goggles, and storage in sealed, dry containers away from acids or oxidizers. Though the solid and dilute solution forms pose relatively low risk with casual exposure, inhalation of fine powders or prolonged contact can irritate the lungs and skin. Users avoid ingestion above recommended levels, because excess manganese can pose a toxicity hazard, especially for vulnerable populations and workers subject to chronic exposure.
In my experience working with specialty chemicals for food and pharma, manganese D-gluconate stands out for its stability and compatibility. Where ferrous or cupric salts degrade flavors or oxidize, the gluconate forms behave gently, preserving product quality. Blending raw material powders into beverages or supplement tablets brings few surprises—its fine, free-flowing texture helps dispersion without heavy dusting. For liquid concentrates, high solubility allows dense formulations avoided by more challenging inorganic salts. When specifying raw material for new products, clear origin, purity documentation, and tight particle size distribution mean less troubleshooting down the line. This reliability pays dividends not just in manufacturing speed, but in customer confidence too.
Industrial buyers and formulators always check safety data before large orders. Although manganese D-gluconate, at typical food additive dosages, rates as safe by regulatory agencies, concentrated use or manufacturing-scale exposure invites a higher duty of care. Occupational safety protocols recommend local exhaust ventilation, disposable dust masks, and immediate clean-up for spills—powder inhalation, even if not overtly toxic, can bring on short-term lung discomfort. Chronic overexposure to manganese, from any source, leads to systemic effects affecting the nervous system. Material safety data sheets (SDS) list this hazard and recommend medical checkups for workers in frequent contact zones. Training on correct storage, prompt labeling, and restrictive access to production chemicals helps avoid both workplace mistakes and accidental product contamination.
Chemical Name: Manganese D-gluconate
Chemical Formula: C12H22MnO14
Molecular Weight: 445.24 g/mol
Physical Form: Powder, flakes, pearls, liquid solution, crystals
Density (solid): 1.75–1.80 g/cm³
Density (solution): >1.15 g/mL (depends on concentration)
Appearance: Pale pink to off-white
Solubility (in water): 10 to 100 g/L
HS Code: 2918160000
Hazard Information: Low acute toxicity, avoid inhalation and chronic overdosing
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